Spencer Butte Trailhead image

Spencer Butte Trailhead

Tourist attraction Hiking area

One of the Best Places To Visits in Lane County


Address

Parking lot, Eugene, OR 97405, United States

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (481 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: (Easter), 6 am to 10 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 6 am to 10 pm
  • Tuesday: 6 am to 10 pm
  • Wednesday: 6 am to 10 pm
  • Thursday: 6 am to 10 pm
  • Friday: 6 am to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 6 am to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trail (22) hike (14) steep (9) views (7) view (7) trails (7) parking (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 N A. 3 years ago on Google
    Incredible beautiful sweeping views of Eugene, Oregon on this hike. There are two paths. The one directly forward is longer and less difficult to the top the one to the left is the steeper more difficult trail but saves some time to the top. The trail straight ahead is very pet friendly. There is a nice parking lot for cars but they recommend taking belongings with you and not leaving valuables in the vehicles. They also had 3 Porta Potty’s for public use. This is a usually very busy location because of the views. They have a sign up saying masks are required for the time being when within 6ft distance of other peoples open air space.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachael M. 1 year ago on Google
    Trails are a bit challenging, which I love, but there is something for everyone. And that view at the top, man, is SPECTACULAR!!! By the way, those port-a-potties are some of the cleanest I have ever experienced.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Derek Fer R. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was really cool, especially for being so close to the city. Making it to the top was a nice little hike, with a rewarding view from the top. I only wish we had something similar back in Wisconsin!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dean C. 2 years ago on Google
    The Spencer Butte Trailhead leads to a few different trails, the main two being used are the ones up to the top of the Butte. The entry area near the parking lot as well as the majority of the trail is well maintained and very little litter was around. There are signs clearly stating the current Social Distancing guidelines and everyone did/does a good job of being aware of them on the trails. The difficult path off to the left quickly becomes steep and you’ll be navigating over rocky paths and doing light climbing. The less difficult path that goes straight past the portapotties is much less steep, but does have a noticeable incline. There is almost no shade once you break out of the tree cover and get towards the top of the butte, the sun is intense so sunscreen and water are strongly advised. There were some dogs along the less difficult trail, if you decide to bring your pup you should make sure you are able to carry water for them and don’t take them over any terrain they don’t look comfortable crossing. P.S. Watch out for the chubby squirrel looking guys at the top who will go super aggro and surround you for a PB&J.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda J. 1 year ago on Google
    I just cannot get enough of these views. Multiple different angles, photos, nature times, sunsets, moon rises... All EPIC!! Also a good place to clear your mind and be in nature. I tend to enjoy going the steep shorter hike up and then take the longer less steep path back to the parking lot. Regardless of how you get to the top.... It's beyond worth it! Gives you a great view of the area and the city.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karma 9 months ago on Google
    I loved it there! I will be back. I think depending on what trail you take .. will be going downhill the whole way, so don't forget that you will have to go back up that hill! Lol I made it to the little bridge and THEN realized that. Holy Uphill! TAKE WATER and spray urself with bug spray. I'm gonna try the other trails next time, but I loved it there. There's is a porta potty in the PL. Have fun and be safe!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maureen N. 10 months ago on Google
    Quick little hike, perfect for catching a sunrise in the morning before work. The trails are kept in excellent condition, and workers were actively maintaining them when I visited. Not recommended as a trail run since there are big rock steps in some parts of the trail. No poles necessary.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John S. 7 months ago on Google
    We went up the Butte on the hazy day with some smoke from the wildfire East of town. In the past month they had a gravel to the trail so it wasn't as smooth but it wasn't muddy either. Even though we couldn't see the sisters or any of the big mountains it was still a worthwhile hike and felt good to get to the top. They're doing some trail maintenance so we saw some evidence of that but no big problem. We took the "easy " trail. As soon as we pulled out of the parking lot we saw two deer on the side of the road. It's such a joy to be amongst the very big trees on the ascent and then to clear out of the trees to the top and see all over the county. A steady pace will get you to the top and about 30 minutes plus minus.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MeMyselfAndI 7 months ago on Google
    It started off easy, then we got to moderate, then I got stung. It’s definitely out of town. The fresh air, sun and trail was great. I only wish we could’ve gone all the way up as my husband has never been to Spencer’s Butte. I’ve been to the top and it’s breathtakingly remarkable! I highly recommend going up for a hike, picnic or to just get out of city life for a day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pudge D. 5 months ago on Google
    A little steep of a trail at points for myself although I have asthma. But there are plenty of spots to stop and take a moment to catch your breath. Very pretty hike through the forest and up to the butte.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Leif S. 10 months ago on Google
    Great views to be had. There are two trails, because the trail is a loop. One is a hiking trail and steeper and rockier. The other is made up of switchbacks and has shale gravel making up part of the trail closer to the trailhead. The view gives you a 360⁰ view of the city of Eugene as well as surrounding farmland, forests, and other peaks. There is a lot of space up at the summit to see everything. There are no trash cans along the trail. There are portable toilets at the trailhead. You can run the smoother trail and walk the dog along the smoother trail.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Venus P. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful views. Nice place to stop and fuel up for the hike back down.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lynn -. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun place. Weber hiked here with our kids a few times and recommend it! No parking fee at three trail head which is nice too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Theolovetesla 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful view. My hands are still frozen though. 1 mile hike with beautiful stopping points and the end is worth it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve B. 1 year ago on Google
    A great workout on the way up along with splendid views. Take water with you for a couple of rest breaks on the way up.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dave S. 1 year ago on Google
    Fairly good amount of parking at the main trailhead with a few portapotties. Trail is fairly wide, and well maintained, moderately steep at parts, and not wheelchair accessible. Final portion had some cut stone stairs that are steep and are exposed to full sun. View at the top is great. Edited to add pictures from along trail.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bee M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is gorgeous trail, nice and steep through evergreens and overlooking the valleys. There are some benches part way up, and various connecting trails to the other Ridgeline trails. At the summit you can scamper about like a mountain goat on the boulders and enjoy the vistas that make this seem like a remote mountain peak hike and not a suburban stroll.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luz del Mar B. 9 months ago on Google
    One of the most wonderful breathtaking views ever. Quite a hike though but Rewarding!

  • 5/5 Bogart M. 10 months ago on Google
    Always one of my favorite hikes in Eugene, this is the easiest/fastest way to the butte. There are squirrels EVERYWHERE! Didn't use to be so many a few years ago.

  • 5/5 Bree G. 8 months ago on Google
    There are two ways to the top: one that is not very technical but has significant elevation gain and one that people who hate themselves use. :) The view is worth the hike up, either way and you can make a loop of it.

  • 5/5 Bio R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great hike just alot of people on the weekends

  • 5/5 Christy O. 6 months ago on Google
    Great hike! Trail #2 is just over a mile round trip. Good traction foot wear with ankle support helped on the steep jagged rock slaps around the top. Google maps also came in helpful and a picture of the trail maps.


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Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed outside
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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